Riyadh, Saudi Arabia| The Saudi Royal Court announced the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, affectionately known as the “Sleeping Prince,” on Saturday, July 19, 2025.
At the age of 36, Prince Al-Waleed’s remarkable yet heartbreaking journey came to an end after nearly two decades in a coma, a condition that began following a tragic motorbike accident in London in 2005.
His story, marked by unwavering family devotion, spiritual resilience, and public empathy, has left an indelible mark on Saudi Arabia and the broader Arab world.
A Tragic Accident That Changed Everything
Born in April 1990, Prince Al-Waleed was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud and a nephew of the prominent billionaire businessman Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal.
As a 15-year-old military cadet studying in London, he was seen as a promising young member of the Saudi royal family, with a bright future ahead.
However, in 2005, a devastating motorbike accident altered the course of his life. The crash resulted in severe brain injuries and internal bleeding, plunging him into a coma from which he would never fully recover.
Following the accident, Prince Al-Waleed was airlifted to Saudi Arabia and admitted to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, where he received round-the-clock care.
Despite consultations with top American and Spanish medical specialists, including neurologists and intensive care experts, the prince remained in a minimally responsive state, sustained by a ventilator and a feeding tube.
Over the years, his condition became a symbol of hope and endurance, capturing the hearts of millions across the region.
A Father’s Unyielding Faith
Prince Al-Waleed’s father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, became a beacon of hope and paternal devotion, steadfastly refusing to give up on his son.
In 2015, when doctors recommended discontinuing life support, Prince Khaled rejected the advice, driven by his deep faith and belief in the possibility of a miracle.
“If God had wanted him to die in the accident, he would have been in his grave now,” he reportedly said, a statement that resonated deeply with many who followed the prince’s story.
Throughout the years, Prince Khaled and his family remained by Al-Waleed’s side, sharing occasional updates that sparked hope among supporters.
In 2019, a video posted by Princess Rima bint Talal showed the prince moving his head slightly, prompting widespread optimism. Another clip in 2020 captured him lifting his fingers in response to a greeting, further fueling prayers for his recovery.
While medical experts noted that such movements could indicate preserved brain function, they cautioned that a return to full consciousness was unlikely. These fleeting signs, however, became powerful symbols of resilience for the family and their supporters.
The ‘Sleeping Prince’: A Symbol of Hope and Compassion
Prince Al-Waleed’s prolonged coma earned him the moniker “The Sleeping Prince,” a title that reflected both his tragic condition and the enduring hope surrounding his story.
His hospital room at King Abdulaziz Medical City became a place of quiet reverence, where family members, religious figures, and visitors gathered to recite Quranic verses and pray for his recovery.
Videos of these moments, particularly those showing the prince’s subtle responses to Quranic recitations, often went viral, resonating with audiences across the Arab world and beyond.
The prince’s story transcended the boundaries of the Saudi royal family, becoming a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the power of familial love.
Social media platforms, particularly X, were flooded with tributes and prayers over the years, especially on milestones like his 36th birthday in April 2025.
A viral video falsely claiming that Prince Al-Waleed had awakened earlier that year was debunked, but it underscored the public’s emotional investment in his journey.
The hashtag #SleepingPrince trended widely after his passing, with thousands sharing condolences and praising the family’s unwavering faith.
Funeral Arrangements and Royal Customs
Following the announcement of Prince Al-Waleed’s passing, the Saudi Royal Court outlined the funeral arrangements, which will adhere to traditional royal customs.
Funeral prayers are scheduled for Sunday, July 20, 2025, after the Asr prayer at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh for men. A separate prayer for women will take place at King Faisal Specialist Hospital after the Dhuhr prayer.
Mourning gatherings will span three days, from Sunday to Tuesday, with men’s condolences held at Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal’s Palace in Al-Fakhariya and women’s gatherings at Al-Fakhariya Palace, the residence of Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz, after the Maghrib prayer.
These events are expected to draw members of the royal family, dignitaries, and countless well-wishers who followed the prince’s story.
A Legacy of Faith and Perseverance
Prince Al-Waleed’s life, though marked by tragedy, leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and perseverance. His family’s refusal to abandon hope, even in the face of medical odds, resonated deeply with a global audience.
His father’s poignant message on X, quoting a Quranic verse—“O tranquil soul, return to your Lord, well-pleased and pleasing. Enter among My servants, and enter My Paradise”—captured the family’s grief and their unwavering belief in divine will.
As Saudi Arabia and the Arab world mourn the loss of the “Sleeping Prince,” his story continues to inspire reflection on the power of hope, the strength of family bonds, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud may have passed, but his legacy as a symbol of endurance and devotion will endure in the hearts of those who prayed for him over the past two decades.
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